My BFF gave me these flowers...
such pretty bouquet and have cheered me no end these past few days.
when one's spirits are low and flagging
looking at a vase of fresh flowers feels like a breath of fresh air
looking back through my photos there are hundreds of flower images
I'm a rose lover and a gardener who loves to bring in some of what I grow in the garden
I like to be surrounded by flowers
their shape, scent and beauty make me happy...
I cannot imagine a life without flowers.
with that thought in mind
here are some pictures of the many arrangements I have made
if you don't like flowers click away now!
this bouquet was sent to me when I had pneumonia
summer sweet peas from our humble bungalow garden
Jacob's Coat roses from our back garden
more sweet peas
I adore bouquets that have white blooms with some lime green foliage
simple wood hyacinths
(and a macaron!)
I took flowers on every trip we took aboard our Classic Chris Craft Constellation
if I left my garden behind for time afloat I always snatched a few blooms just before we left the bungalow
such lovely roses...
a snapshot of the tulips I took on a visit to Point No Point Resort,
which is one of our favourite spots to enjoy a quiet respite.
"Flowers really do intoxicate me."
~Vita Sackville-West ~
"The Earth Laughs in Flowers."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr was a Christmas gift and I loved the book...
the story takes place in Paris and France and a young blind girl features prominently in the story
which is set during war time.
I finished the book a few days ago but it has stayed with me...
So much so that I am not able to start reading a new one just yet.
I wonder if author's have any idea how much their works affect their readers?
Thank you for all your comments on my packing list.
I have made note of your suggestions and will be making some changes.
BTW I have ordered some long thermal wear from Lands' End!
Have a wonderful weekend!
35 comments:
I have always loved your flower photos Leslie, and even more so today, as I try to come to terms with my mother's passing. She loved to receive flowers and I made sure she received many in her life.
Oddly enough, I had just finished Brooke Shields book about her life with her mother the night before my own Beloved Mum died. As I was reading it; I was struck by how much Brooke's book (although our mothers were polar opposites) was helping me, and I feel it was a sign, that I felt compelled to read it.
I gave the book All The Light ... as a Christmas gift to my aunt and also to a close friend. I chose it on the basis of reviews I had read. I want to read it myself!
Lovely flowers!
I'm in the middle of the book and I love it too. I also love having flowers in our home, and it's rare that we don't have bunches in different places. I'm recovering, but still in the throes of pneumonia and both flowers and a good book are a big comfort and help the hours of rest go by.
I loved that book! And your flowers! I can't even begin to say how beautiful they are. Thank you!
Love this post!
Loved, loved, loved all your flower bouquets. I think I need to go and buy some as winter is in full bloom here. I got the same book for Christmas from my husband - for the second time as I didn't get around to reading it last year ;) I'm glad it is a good one!
I finished the book Wednesday. It was really engaging. You must walk along the Seine to Le Jardin des Plantes. It is quite close to where you are taking your cooking class. It is an often overlooked spot but in May, it will be full of blooms. You will certainly enjoy the gardens of Paris.
I bought that very same book when I was in Edmonton. I haven't opened it yet, but I look forward to doing so, especially after hearing how much you enjoyed it.
I liked your packing posts. I spent three weeks in Belgium and the UK with only a carry-on. In the end I STILL came home with a couple of items I didn't wear. I found that shoes were the most difficult because I was going to do some hiking, so I wore the hiking shoes on the plane - hot, but it worked. On the last couple of trips I've made I've found that my Sympli pieces have been workhorses, and I intend to build a collection a piece at a time.
Gorgeous flower shots!
Beautiful flowers hostess. Amused by your thermal underwear comment. Suppose you need it for Canadian winters. Keep warm and safe Rose
Hello Leslie,
We are so sorry to read that you are ill. At times such as these, the world seems to close in around one so what can be better to lift the spirits than a pretty bunch of flowers. They do give hope that all will be well.
We wish you a speedy recovery and may 2015 bring peace, joy and adventure, of course.
I just read "All the Light" myself and found it to be an excellent excellent book. Love your flowers, especially the roses and sweet peas. Have never been able to grow sweet peas, but I just may try again this spring! Winter is brutal this year here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Oh, how lovely, a shot in the arm here in Michigan where the wind chill was 17 below last night. The roses and the sweet peas, especially! I'd pick up some from the grocers but am afraid the poor things would freeze to death just getting home!
I just voted for All the Light for our book club choices for this year. If it's not selected I will probably read it anyway. And that's how I know a book is good, if I can't start another one right away because I want to spend time thinking about it.
I have to check your previous posts; I'm behind in my reading, it seems your Paris trip is imminent? yay!
Such pretty bouquets. Flowers are one of the nicest things life offers. Sometimes they look so lovely in the garden that I hate to even cut them for the house, but they add so much warmth and charm to the interior.
Nice to hear you are feeling a bit better.
Your flowers and their arrangements are so pretty! They do cheer. My husband buys me flowers every Saturday when we grocery shop together.
Aah, flowers, just the thing to cheer this cold, sad January! Paris is in everyone's thoughts at the moment for all the wrong reasons. Husband and elder daughter have just returned from a short break at the hotel used by Woody Allen in his film, 'Midnight in Paris' and I am glad that they are safely home. Paris can be (and was) cold and wet, something to consider when packing. Also, do leave some space for those items that you will HAVE to buy when you are there!
What a lovely treat, to see all your flowers together. Thank you - I agree, it is brightening up the morning.
Your beautiful flower bouquets brightened up this grey misty morning. I have All the Light on my shelf to read. I bought it for my daughter for her birthday and she brought it back at Christmas for me to read. I may save it for a little trip we're taking at the end of the month. I'm glad it has such positive reviews from you and your readers.
On my trips to Europe I only take a carry on. Planning and sorting and thinking the way you are doing about your wardrobe is the key. And if there is something you've missed - a great excuse to purchase a bit of French flair for yourself.
Donna I am saddened to hear that you have lost your mom...my heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
I hope you enjoy the book!
Flowers, a good book and a cup of tea...are almost as good as a hug.
Take care and rest up...hostess orders!
The news has been so horrific from Paris these past few days... I needed to focus on something beautiful...
Hope you were able to find some flowers...they are an instant pick-me-up.
Please let me know what you think of the book when you are finished.
Oh thank you I will make note of that garden and be sure to visit.
The news from Paris has been so distressing...
The Sympli line would be a good choice because they are so light and do not wrinkle...they all co-ordinate with each other and look dressy.
Packing light is a real challenge...
The under garments I ordered are a light thermal layer from Lands' End to wear under my pants if the weather in Paris is cold. Janet from the Gardener's Cottage recommended I consider them and I have the utmost respect for her opinion.
Jane and Lance,
Oh I am feeling well now, the flu has departed...it was swift and nasty, but quickly departed. Hope that you both are on the mend...I've missed your posts.
I met a sweet pea expert at The Victoria Horticultural Society who started his sweet peas indoors in February and then planted them outside when they sprouted...he won numerous awards so you might consider trying this trick and plant them out when the earth is workable. Good luck and happy gardening!
The trip is scheduled for the spring...I am working out the kinks of what i will pack in a very visible and public way so that I can get some feedback from seasoned travellers!
Hope you enjoy the book.
Oh you must be relieved to have them home safe and sound...what a worry.
I do plan to leave some room...just in case I find some fun things...if all else fails I can buy a new suitcase!!
Lovely flowers. As an occasional reader of your blog I know that you are also a lover of all things french and gather you're embarking on a spring,trip of a lifetime to Paris which is wonderful for you and exciting. Just worried you're getting way too much conflicting advice. You can surf some temperatures for Paris at that time of year and weather forecast nearer the time. While the weather can be changeable and inclement I can't imagine how you would need thermals. Have been there several times in spring and late autumn. Hasten slowly hostess.
I loved this post - the gorgeous variety of flowers are amazing. I especially like the white sweet peas and must grow some this summer. I'm in Florida for a few months so starting them early is not an option.
I used to travel to Vancouver and Victoria with my job and one year, my husband came along and we spent a lovely two weeks exploring Vancouver Island. Stayed two nights at Point No Point - I still remember the peace and quiet.
Hmmmm ... thermal underwear may be heavy, silk might have been better - just to throw another thought in the mix.
Jill
Lands' End call them Thermaskin and it is a very light layer that helps keep you warm, wicks away moisture....I just purchased the Capri length and will pack them just in case I need them...not really Thermals! I would not expect snow in Paris in the Springtime. I plan to check the weather online before my final packing.
I just want to know if a Golden puppy is on the horizon for when you get home! I remember you mentioned Mr. HB would love to get one and you'd said perhaps after the trip! Would be such a sweet companion on your walking and boating...
Stephen we had the best Golden EVER! Rufus was our dog when I was pregnant with Jennifer and before we owned the Catalina...he was so much a part of our lives and I know Mr. HB has a trip planned to Fallingwater in PA before we get another puppy...you are amazing when it comes to details...it is on the list!
I'm sure I'm in good company when I say I love flowers. You have beautiful arrangements of flowers!!
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